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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

or

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 0-21513

DXP Enterprises, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas

76-0509661

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

   

7272 Pinemont, Houston, Texas 77040

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

_________________________

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:

(713) 996-4700

_________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [x]

Aggregate market value of the registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates of registrant as of June 30, 2003: $2,178,905.

Number of shares of registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2004: 4,070,520.

Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2004 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION

Item

   

Page

   

PART 1

 

1.

 

Business

3

2.

 

Properties

7

3.

 

Legal Proceedings

8

4.

 

Submission of Matters to a vote of Security Holders

8

   

PART II

 

5.

 

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

8

6.

 

Selected Financial Data

9

7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

9

7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

14

8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

15

9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

32

9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

33

   

PART III

 

10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

33

11.

 

Executive Compensation

33

12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 
   

and Related Stockholder Matters

33

13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

33

14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

33

       

15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

33

       

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places, including Item 1. "Business," Item 3. "Legal Proceedings" and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "estimates", "will", "should", "plans" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those di scussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include the effectiveness of management's strategies and decisions, general economic and business conditions, developments in technology, new or modified statutory or regulatory requirements and changing prices and market conditions. This report identifies other factors that could cause such differences. We cannot assure you that these are all of the factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

 

PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. DXP Enterprises, Inc.'s actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Business", "Business-Risk Factors", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the "Company" or "DXP" shall mean DXP Enterprises, Inc., a Texas corporation, together with the Company's subsidiaries.

ITEM 1. Business

DXP Enterprises, Inc. ("DXP" or the "Company"), a Texas corporation, was incorporated in 1996, to be the successor to a company founded in 1908. Since our predecessor company was founded, we have primarily been engaged in the business of distributing maintenance, repair and operating ("MRO") products, equipment and service to industrial customers. We are organized into two segments: MRO and Electrical Contractor. Sales and operating income for 2001, 2002 and 2003, and identifiable assets at the close of such years for our business segments are presented in Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

MRO Segment

The MRO segment provides MRO products, equipment and integrated services, including engineering expertise and logistics capabilities, to industrial customers. We provide a wide range of MRO products in the fluid handling equipment, bearing, power transmission equipment, general mill, safety supply and electrical products categories. We offer our customers a single source of integrated services and supply on an efficient and competitive basis by being a first-tier distributor who can purchase products directly from the manufacturer. We also provide integrated services such as system design, fabrication, installation, repair and maintenance for our customers. We offer a wide range of industrial MRO products, equipment and services through a complete continuum of customized and efficient MRO solutions, ranging from traditional distribution to fully integrated supply contracts. The integrated solution is tailored to satisfy our customers' unique needs.

The industrial distribution market is highly fragmented. Based on 2002 sales as reported by industry sources, we were the 32nd largest distributor of MRO products in the United States. Most industrial customers currently purchase their industrial supplies through numerous local distribution and supply companies. These distributors generally provide the customer with repair and maintenance services, technical support and application expertise with respect to one product category. Products typically are purchased by the distributor for resale directly from the manufacturer and warehoused at branch distribution facilities of the distributor until sold to the customer. The customer also typically will purchase an amount of product inventory for its near term anticipated needs and store those products at its industrial site until the products are used.

We believe that the current distribution system for industrial products in the United States creates inefficiencies at both the customer and the distributor level through excess inventory requirements and duplicative cost structures. To compete more effectively, our customers and other users of MRO products are seeking ways to enhance efficiencies and lower MRO product and procurement costs. In response to this customer desire, three primary trends have emerged in the industrial supply industry:

We currently serve as a first-tier distributor of more than 40,000 stock keeping units ("SKUs") for use primarily by customers engaged in the general manufacturing, oil and gas, petrochemical, service and repair and wood products industries. Other industries served by our MRO segment include mining, construction, chemical, municipal, food and beverage and pulp and paper. Our MRO products include a wide range of products in the fluid handling equipment, bearing, power transmission equipment, general mill, safety products and electrical products. Our products are distributed from 34 sales offices and two distribution centers strategically located throughout the United States and sold through the sales efforts of employees who generally are compensated on a commission basis.

Our fluid handling equipment line includes a full line of :

We also provide various pump accessories. Our bearing products include several types of mounted and unmounted bearings for a variety of applications. The hose products we distribute include a large selection of industrial fittings and stainless steel hoses, hydraulic hoses, Teflon hoses and expansion joints, as well as hoses for chemical, petroleum, air and water applications. We distribute seal products for downhole, wellhead, valve and completion equipment to oilfield service companies. The power transmission products we distribute include speed reducers, flexible-coupling drives, chain drives, sprockets, gears, conveyors, clutches, brakes and hoses. We offer a broad range of general mill supplies, such as abrasives, tapes and adhesive products, coatings and lubricants, cutting tools, fasteners, hand tools, janitorial products, pneumatic tools and welding equipment. Our safety products include eye and face protection products, first aid products, protection products, hazardous material handling products, instrumentation and respiratory protection products. We distribute a broad range of electrical products, such as wire conduit, wiring devices, electrical fittings and boxes, signaling devices, heaters, tools, switch gear, lighting, lamps, tape, lugs, wire nuts, batteries, fans and fuses.

In addition to distributing products, we provide pumping and power transmission system design and fabrication services through our engineering personnel and fabrication facilities. We also provide training services with respect to the installation and basic applications of our products as well as around-the-clock field repair services.

SmartSourceSM, our integrated supply program, allows a customer to choose from a complete continuum of supply options, ranging from traditional distribution to integrated supply. This program allows a customer to outsource supply room purchasing, supply room accounting, and supply room management to DXP.

Our branch and operations managers support the sales efforts through direct customer contact and manage the efforts of the outside and direct sales representatives. We have structured compensation to provide incentives to our sales representatives to increase sales through the use of commissions. Our outside sales representatives focus on building long-term relationships with customers and, through their product and industry expertise, providing customers with product application, engineering and after-the-sale services. The direct sales representatives support the outside sales representatives and are responsible for entering product orders and providing technical support with respect to our products. Because we offer a broad range of products, our outside and direct sales representatives are able to use their existing customer relationships with respect to one product line to cross-sell our other product lines. In addition, geographic locations in which certain products are sold also are being utilized to sell products not historically sold at such locations. As we expand our product lines and geographical presence through hiring experienced sales representatives, we assess the opportunities and appropriate timing of introducing existing products to new customers and new products to existing customers. Prior to implementing such cross-selling efforts, we provide the appropriate sales training and product expertise to our sales force.

Unlike many of our competitors, we market our products primarily as a first-tier distributor, generally procuring products directly from the manufacturers, rather than from other distributors. As a first-tier distributor, we are able to reduce our customers' costs and improve efficiencies in the supply chain.

We believe we have increased our competitive advantage through our traditional and integrated supply programs, which are designed to address the customer's specific product and procurement needs. We offer our customers various options for the integration of their supply needs, ranging from serving as a single source of supply for all or specific lines of products and product categories to offering a fully integrated supply package in which we assume the procurement and management functions, including ownership of inventory, at the customer's location. Our unique approach to integrated supply allows us to design a program that best fits the needs of the customer. For those customers purchasing a number of products in large quantities, the customer is able to outsource all or most of those needs to us. For customers with smaller supply needs, we are able to combine our traditional distribution capabilities with our broad product categories and advanced ordering systems to allow the custo mer to engage in one-stop shopping without the commitment required under an integrated supply contract.

We acquire our products through numerous original equipment manufacturers. We are authorized to distribute the manufacturers' products in specific geographic areas. All of our distribution authorizations are subject to cancellation by the manufacturer upon one-year notice or less. No one manufacturer provides products that account for 10% or more of our revenues. We believe that alternative sources of supply could be obtained in a timely manner if any distribution authorization were canceled. Accordingly, we do not believe that the loss of any one distribution authorization would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Representative manufacturers of our products include Gould's, G&L, Viking, Wilden, National Oilwell, SKF, Torrington/Fafnir, Timken, NTN, Dodge/Reliance, Falk, Gates, Martin Sprocket, T. B. Woods, Emerson, Rexnord, Baldor Electric, Union Butterfield, 3M, Fag Bearing, Tyco, BACOU/DALLOZ, Norton Abrasives, and LaCro ss Rainfair Safety Products.

At December 31, 2003, the MRO Segment had 442 full-time employees.

Electrical Contractor Segment

The Electrical Contractor segment was formed in 1998 with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of two electrical supply businesses. During August 2001, we sold the majority of the assets of one of the two businesses comprising the Electrical Contractor segment. The Electrical Contractor segment sells a broad range of electrical products, such as wire conduit, wiring devices, electrical fittings and boxes, signaling devices, heaters, tools, switch gear, lighting, lamps, tape, lugs, wire nuts, batteries, fans and fuses, to electrical contractors. The segment has one owned warehouse/sales facility in Memphis, Tennessee.

We acquire our products through numerous original equipment manufacturers. We are authorized to distribute the manufacturers' products in specific geographic areas. All of our distribution authorizations are subject to cancellation by the manufacturer upon one-year notice or less. No one manufacturer provides products that account for 10% or more of our revenues. We believe that alternative sources of supply could be obtained in a timely manner if any distribution authorization were canceled. Accordingly, we do not believe that the loss of any one distribution authorization would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Significant vendors include Cutler-Hammer, Cooper, Killark, 3M, General Electric and Allied. To meet prompt delivery demands of its customers, this segment maintains large inventories. The majority of sales are on open account.

At December 31, 2003, the Electrical Contractor segment had 11 full-time employees.

Management Information Systems

During 2002, we completed the installation of a common operating and financial system that is used by all of our locations. We use this computer system to benefit customers and to improve our productivity and efficiency. In addition to traditional functions of inventory control, order processing, purchasing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and general ledger, our computer system has the flexibility to integrate with the customer's maintenance, accounting and management systems. Our system allows for real-time reporting of industrial products used by work order, department and individual, as well as on-line stock inquiry and order-status reports. Our system supports advanced functions, such as EDI, customized billing, end user reporting, facsimile transmission, bar coding and preventative maintenance.

Competition

Our business is highly competitive. In the MRO segment we compete with a variety of industrial supply distributors, many of which may have greater financial and other resources than we do. Many of our competitors are small enterprises selling to customers in a limited geographic area. We also compete with larger distributors that provide integrated supply programs and outsourcing services similar to those offered through our SmartSource program, some of which might be able to supply their products in a more efficient and cost-effective manner than we can provide. We also compete with direct mail distributors, large warehouse stores and, to a lesser extent, manufacturers. While many of our competitors offer traditional distribution of some of the product groupings that we offer, we are not aware of any major competitor that offers on a non-direct mail basis a product grouping as broad as our offering. Further, while certain direct-mail distributors provide product offerings as broad as ours, these competitors do not offer the product application, engineering and after-the-sale services that we provide. In the Electrical Contractor segment we compete against a variety of suppliers of electrical products, many of which may have greater financial and other resources than we do.

Insurance

We maintain liability and other insurance that we believe to be customary and generally consistent with industry practice. There can be no assurance that such insurance will be adequate for the risks involved, that coverage limits will not be exceeded or that such insurance will apply to all liabilities. The occurrence of an adverse claim in excess of the coverage limits that we maintain could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The premiums for insurance have increased significantly over the past three years. This trend could continue. Additionally, we are partially self-insured for our group health plan. The cost of claims for the group health plan has increased over the past three years. This trend is expected to continue.

Government Regulation and Environmental Matters

We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to our business and operations, and various health and safety regulations as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Certain of our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Although we believe that we have adequate procedures to comply with applicable discharge and other environmental laws, the risks of accidental contamination or injury from the discharge of controlled or hazardous materials and chemicals cannot be eliminated completely. In the event of such an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result, and any such liability could have a material adverse effect on us. We are not currently aware of any situation or condition that we believe is likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Employees

At December 31, 2003, we had 453 full-time employees. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

Risk Factors

Ability to Comply with Financial Covenants of Credit Facility

Our loan agreement with our bank lender (the "Credit Facility") requires that we comply with certain specified covenants, restrictions, financial ratios and other financial and operating tests. Our ability to comply with any of the foregoing restrictions will depend on our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, including factors beyond our control. A failure to comply with any of these obligations could result in an event of default under the Credit Facility, which could permit acceleration of our indebtedness under the Credit Facility. Although we expect to be able to comply with the covenants, including the financial covenants, of the Credit Facility, there can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to do so or that our lender will be willing to waive such non-compliance or further amend such covenants.

Risks Related to Internal Growth Strategy

Our future results will depend in part on our success in implementing our internal growth strategy, which includes expanding our existing geographic areas and adding new customers. Our ability to implement this strategy will depend on our success in selling more to existing customers, acquiring new customers, hiring qualified sales persons, and marketing integrated forms of supply arrangements such as those being pursued by us through our SmartSource program. Although we intend to increase sales and product offerings to existing customers and reduce costs through consolidating certain administrative and sales functions, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts.

Substantial Competition

Our business is highly competitive. We compete with a variety of industrial supply distributors, some of which may have greater financial and other resources than us. Although many of our traditional distribution competitors are small enterprises selling to customers in a limited geographic area, we also compete with larger distributors that provide integrated supply programs such as those offered through outsourcing services similar to those that are offered by our SmartSource program. Some of these large distributors may be able to supply their products in a more timely and cost-efficient manner than us. Our competitors include direct mail suppliers, large warehouse stores and, to a lesser extent, certain manufacturers.

Risks of Economic Trends

Demand for our products is subject to changes in the United States economy in general and economic trends affecting our customers and the industries in which they compete in particular. Many of these industries, such as the oil and gas industry, are subject to volatility while others, such as the petrochemical industry, are cyclical and materially affected by changes in the economy. As a result, we may experience changes in demand for our products as changes occur in the markets of our customers.

Dependence on Key Personnel

We will continue to be dependent to a significant extent upon the efforts and ability of David R. Little, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of Mr. Little or any other executive officer of our Company could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on the life of Mr. Little or on the lives of our other executive officers. In addition, our ability to grow successfully will be dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management and technical and operational personnel. The failure to attract and retain such persons could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Dependence on Supplier Relationships

We have distribution rights for certain product lines and depend on these distribution rights for a substantial portion of our business. Many of these distribution rights are pursuant to contracts that are subject to cancellation upon little or no prior notice. Although we believe that we could obtain alternate distribution rights in the event of such a cancellation, the termination or limitation by any key supplier of its relationship with our company could result in a temporary disruption on our business and, in turn, could adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Associated With Hazardous Materials

Certain of our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Although we believe that we have adequate procedures to comply with applicable discharge and other environmental laws, the risks of accidental contamination or injury from the discharge of controlled or hazardous materials and chemicals cannot be eliminated completely. In the event of such an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result and any such liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Available Information

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are available through our Internet website (www.dxpe.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 2. Properties

We own our headquarters facility in Houston, Texas, which has 45,000 square feet of office space. The MRO segment owns or leases 43 branch distribution facilities located in Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. The Electrical Contractor segment owns one branch distribution facility in Tennessee. These owned facilities range from 2,500 square feet to 138,000 square feet in size. We lease facilities for terms generally ranging from one to five years. The leased facilities range from 3,200 square feet to 41,550 square feet in size. The leases provide for periodic specified rental payments and certain leases are renewable at our option. We believe that our facilities are suitable and adequate for the needs of our existing business. We believe that if the leases for any of our facilities were not renewed, other suitable facilities could be leased with no material adverse effec t on our business, financial condition or results of operations. All of the facilities owned by us are pledged to secure our indebtedness.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

In 2003, we were notified that we had been sued in various state courts in Texas, directly and as successor in interest to a corporation, which is not related to us. The suits allege personal injury resulting from products containing asbestos allegedly sold by us. The suits do not state what products we allegedly sold or when we allegedly sold the products. Discovery is in the very early stages on these suits. We have recently notified certain of our insurance carriers regarding these claims. We do not know if the insurance carriers will assume the defense of these claims. If any product sold by us is identified through discovery as a product that plaintiffs claim exposure to, it is our intent to seek indemnity from the original manufacturer of the product. We intend to vigorously defend these claims. Because of the lack of specific information described above, we are unable to determine if these claims could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows for a particular period or on our consolidated financial position.

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

PART II

ITEM 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol "DXPE".

The following table sets forth on a per share basis the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated.

 

High

 

Low

2002

     

First Quarter

$ 1.45

 

$ 0.85

Second Quarter

$ 2.24

 

$ 0.97

Third Quarter

$ 1.25

 

$ 0.75

Fourth Quarter

$ 1.21

 

$ 0.70

       

2003

     

First Quarter

$ 1.53

 

$ 0.90

Second Quarter

$ 1.70

 

$ 1.08

Third Quarter

$ 2.94

 

$ 1.40

Fourth Quarter

$ 4.15

 

$ 2.20

 

On March 1, 2004, we had approximately 815 holders of record for outstanding shares of our common stock.

We anticipate that future earnings will be retained to finance the continuing development of our business. In addition, the Credit Facility prohibits us from declaring or paying any dividends or other distributions on our capital stock except for the monthly $0.50 per share dividend on our Series B convertible preferred stock, which amounts to $90,000 in the aggregate per year. Accordingly, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, future earnings, the success of our business activities, regulatory and capital requirements, our lenders, our general financial condition and general business conditions.

Information regarding our equity compensation plans is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after our fiscal year end of December 31, 2003.

 

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

The selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2003 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

1999

 

2000

 

2001

 

2002

 

2003

     

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
                   

Consolidated Statements of Earnings Data:

                 

Sales

$ 184,685

 

$ 182,642

 

$ 174,429

 

$ 148,106

 

$ 150,683

Gross Profit

46,879

 

45,507

 

43,805

 

37,984

 

38,549

Operating income (loss)(1)

2,899

 

(7,752)

 

4,034

 

4,117

 

4,309

Income (loss) before income taxes (2)

415

 

(9,031)

 

1,600

 

2,633

 

3,197

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a

change in accounting principle

(118)

(7,358)

929

1,619

2,069

Per share amounts before cumulative effect

                 

of a change in accounting principle

                 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

$ (0.05)

 

$ (1.83)

 

$ 0.21

 

$ 0.38

 

$ 0.49

Common shares outstanding

4,075

 

4,072

 

4,072

 

4,072

 

4,072

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$ (0.05)

 

$ (1.83)

 

$ 0.21

 

$ 0.36

 

$ 0.42

Common and common equivalent shares

outstanding

4,075

4,072

4,503

4,555

4,920

                   

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data at

December 31:

Total assets

$ 72,922

 

$ 66,280

 

$ 57,588

 

$ 49,248

 

$ 48,375

Long-term debt obligations

36,780

 

28,476

 

22,864

 

23,486

 

16,675

Shareholders' equity

15,499

 

7,971

 

8,323

 

8,087

 

10,076

 

(1) Year ended December 31, 2000 includes non-recurring charges of $10.8 million which consist of an $8.5 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and other assets associated with acquisitions completed before 1999, a $2.0 million charge to write-off fixed assets of computer systems which were being replaced and facilities which have been closed, and $0.3 million of accruals primarily associated with future rent on closed facilities.

  1. Year ended December 31, 2000 includes a one-time gain of $2.0 million from the sale of two MRO warehouse facilities.

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

General Overview

Our products and services are marketed in at least 16 states to over 25,000 customers that are engaged in a variety of industries, many of which may be countercyclical to each other. Demand for our products generally is subject to changes in the United States economy and economic trends affecting our customers and the industries in which they compete in particular. Certain of these industries, such as the oil and gas industry, are subject to volatility while others, such as the petrochemical industry and the construction industry, are cyclical and materially affected by changes in the economy. As a result, we may experience changes in demand within particular markets, segments and product categories as changes occur in our customers' respective markets. During 2002 and 2003, our performance was impacted negatively by the economic downturn, particularly the downturn in domestic manufacturing. All of our increase in sales and gross profit for 2003 compared to 2002 is due to increased sales of products for offshore energy production. Our employee headcount decreased by over ten percent during 2003 as we worked to bring our cost structure in line with our sales.

Our growth strategy in the past focused on a combination of acquisitions, such as the acquisition of the Electrical Contractor segment, and internal growth. We have curtailed our acquisition efforts and are focusing on internal growth. Key elements of our internal growth strategy include leveraging existing customer relationships, expanding product offerings to new and existing customers, reducing costs through consolidated purchasing programs and centralized product distribution centers, centralizing certain customer service and inside sales functions, reducing costs by converting selected branches from full warehouse and customer service operations to sales centers, designing and implementing innovative solutions to address the procurement and supply needs of our customers and using our traditional distribution and integrated supply capabilities to increase sales in each area. Results will be dependent on our success in executing our internal growth strategy and, to the extent we com plete any acquisitions, our ability to integrate such acquisitions.

 

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31,

2001

%

2002

%

2003

%

(in millions, except percentages)

Sales

$ 174.4

100.0

$ 148.1

100.0

$ 150.7

100.0

Cost of sales

130.6

74.9

110.1

74.3

112.2

74.4

Gross profit

43.8

25.1

38.0

25.7

38.5

25.6

Operating expenses:

Selling, general and administrative

39.8

22.8

33.9

22.9

34.2

22.7

Operating income

4.0

2.3

4.1

2.8

4.3

2.9

Interest expense

2.5

1.4

1.6

1.1

1.2

0.8

Other income

(0.1)

-

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

-

Income before income taxes

1.6

0.9

2.6

1.8

3.2

2.1

Provision for income taxes

0.7

0.4

1.0

0.7

1.1

0.7

Income before cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle

$ 0.9

0.5%

$ 1.6

1.1%

$ 2.1

1.4%

Per share amounts before cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle

Basic earnings per share

$ 0.21

$ 0.38

$ 0.49

Diluted earnings per share

$ 0.21

$ 0.36

$ 0.42

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

SALES. Revenues for 2003 increased $2.6 million, or 1.7%, to approximately $150.7 million from $148.1 million in 2002. Sales for the MRO segment increased $2.9 million, or 2.0% primarily due to increased sales of products for offshore energy production. Sales for the Electrical Contractor segment decreased by $0.3 million, or 11.9%, when compared to 2002. This decrease was the result of a slow down in the commercial construction business for electrical contractors.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased by approximately 0.1% for 2003, when compared to 2002. This decrease resulted from decreased sales by the higher margin Electrical Contractor segment and increased sales by the lower margin MRO segment. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the MRO segment was 25.4% in 2003 and 2002. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the Electrical Contractor segment increased to 38.8% for 2003, up from 37.5% in 2002. This increase resulted from the decision to focus on selling higher margin specialty electrical products.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative expense for 2003 increased by approximately $0.4 million, or 1.1%, when compared to 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to increased employee benefits and incentive compensation related to the increased gross profit. As a percentage of revenue, the 2003 expense decreased by approximately 0.2% to 22.7% from 22.9% for 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to costs increasing at a lower rate than revenue increased.

OPERATING INCOME. Operating income for 2003 increased by approximately $0.2 million, or 4.7%, when compared to 2002. This increase was the result of a 1.4% increase in operating income for the MRO segment and improvement from a loss to a profit for the Electrical Contractor segment.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for 2003 decreased by $0.4 million to $1.2 million from $1.6 million for 2002. This decline resulted from lower interest rates for 2003 when compared to 2002 as well as a lower average debt balance.

INCOME TAXES. As of December 31, 2003, we have recorded net deferred tax assets of $1.3 million representing the future tax benefits of certain accruals not currently deductible. We believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized as these reserves are recovered and reduce future taxable income. For information concerning the provision for current and deferred income taxes as well as information regarding differences between the effective tax rates and statutory rates, see Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

SALES. Revenues for 2002 decreased $26.3 million, or 15.1%, to approximately $148.1 million from $174.4 million in 2001. Sales for the MRO segment decreased $20.9 million, or 12.6% primarily due to slowing of the overall economy. Reduced sales of bearing products accounted for approximately one half of the decline in sales for the MRO segment. Sales for the Electrical Contractor segment decreased by $5.4 million, or 65.8%, when compared to 2001. This decrease resulted primarily from the sale, during August 2001, of the majority of the assets of a business in San Antonio, Texas, which accounted for approximately two-thirds of the sales of the Electrical Contractor segment and from a slow down in the construction business for electrical contractors.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased by approximately 0.5% for 2002, when compared to 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to increased margins for the Electrical Contractor segment. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the Electrical Contractor segment increased to 37.5% for 2002, up from 23.5% in 2001. This increase resulted from the sale of the business in San Antonio, Texas which had lower gross profit margins. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the MRO segment increased to 25.4% for 2002, up from 25.2% for 2001. This increase was primarily attributable to increased margins in fluid handling products sold by the MRO segment.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative expense for 2002 decreased by approximately $5.9 million, or 14.8%, when compared to 2001. This decrease was primarily attributable to reduced litigation costs, communication expenses, bad debt expense, payroll and payroll related expenses. As a percentage of revenue, the 2002 selling, general and administrative expense increased by approximately 0.1% to 22.9% from 22.8% for 2001. This increase was primarily attributable to non-variable costs being spread over a smaller revenue amount.

OPERATING INCOME. Operating income for 2002 increased by approximately $0.1 million, or 2.1%, when compared to 2001. This increase was the net of a $0.2 million decrease in operating income for the MRO segment and a $0.3 million improvement in operating income for the Electrical Contractor segment. The reduced operating income for the MRO segment resulted from lower sales and gross profit partially offset by reduced selling, general and administrative expenses. The improvement for the Electrical Contractor segment was primarily the result of the sale during August 2001 of the business in San Antonio, Texas, which was not profitable.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for 2002 decreased by $0.9 million to $1.6 million from $2.5 million for 2001. This decline resulted from lower interest rates for 2002 when compared to 2001 as well as a lower average debt balance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General Overview

As a distributor of MRO products and Electrical Contractor products, we require significant amounts of working capital to fund inventories and accounts receivable. Additional cash is required for capital items such as information technology and warehouse equipment. We also require cash to pay our lease obligations and to service our debt.

We generated cash in operating activities of approximately $6.9 million in 2003 as compared to $2.5 million in cash provided during 2002. This change between the two years was primarily attributable to the collection of $2.9 million of customer advances in excess of costs incurred on several projects as of December 31, 2003.

We had capital expenditures of approximately $0.4 million for each of 2002 and 2003. Capital expenditures during 2003 were related primarily to computer equipment, computer software and pump testing equipment. Capital expenditures during 2002 were primarily related to computer equipment.

During 2003, the amount available to be borrowed under our loan agreement with our bank lender (the "Credit Facility") increased from $2.5 million at December 31, 2002 to $7.1 million at December 31, 2003. This increase in availability resulted from reducing total long-term debt by $7.0 million during 2003. The funds to reduce long-term debt by $7.0 million were generated by operations, including the collection of $2.9 million of customer advances for orders for products, primarily for use in offshore energy production. We expect to purchase products and incur other costs to complete these orders during 2004. Additionally, we expect to pay $1.0 million of federal income taxes, related to 2003 taxable income, during 2004. Therefore, we expect the amount available to be borrowed under the Credit Facility to decline and the amount of long-term debt to increase during 2004. However, management believes that the liquidity of our balance sheet at December 31, 2003, provides u s with the ability to meet our working capital needs during 2004.

Credit Facility

Under the Credit Facility, all available cash is generally applied to reduce outstanding borrowings, with operations funded through borrowings under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility consists of a secured line of credit and a secured term loan.

The Credit Facility was amended and restated on June 25, 2003. The amendment extended the maturity, modified the calculation of collateral value which increased borrowing availability, reduced the maximum borrowing amount to $30.0 million, and allows us to elect a rate of interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.25% or prime plus a margin ranging from 0.0% to 0.75%. Before the amendment, the interest rate was prime plus 0.50% on the revolving portion of the Credit Facility and prime plus 1.5% on the term portion of the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2003 these rates were prime and prime plus 0.25%, respectively. Additionally, the LIBOR interest option resulted in interest rates which were lower than the prime interest option. At December 31, 2003, $15.0 million was borrowed at a weighted average rate of 3.71% under the LIBOR option. The prime rate at December 31, 2003 was 4.0%.

 

The Credit Facility provides for borrowings up to an aggregate of the lesser of (i) a percentage of the collateral value based on a formula set forth therein or (ii) $30.0 million, and matures April 1, 2006. The Credit Facility is secured by receivables, inventory, real estate and machinery and equipment. The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as financial covenants that are measured monthly and require that we maintain a certain cash flow and other financial ratios. At December 31, 2003, we were in compliance with these covenants. Although we expect to be able to comply with the covenants of the Credit Facility, there can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to do so or that our lender will be willing to waive such non-compliance or amend such covenants. In addition to the $0.6 million of cash at December 31, 2003, we had $9.5 million available for borrowings under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2003.

Borrowings

 

December 31,

 

Increase

(Decrease)

 

2002

 

2003

 
 

(in Thousands)

   

Current portion of long-term debt

$ 1,625

 

$ 1,474

 

$ (151)

Long-term debt, less current portion

23,486

 

16,675

 

(6,811)

Total long-term debt

$ 25,111

 

$ 18,149

 

$ (6,962)(2)

Amount available (1)

$ 2,485

 

$ 9,562

 

$ 7,077(3)

           

(1) Represents amount available to be borrowed at the indicated date under the Credit Facility.

(2) The funds to reduce long-term debt by $7.0 million were generated by operations, including the collection

of $2.9 million of customer advances in excess of cost incurred on orders for products, primarily for use in

offshore energy production.

(3) The $7.1 million increase in the amount available is primarily a result of reducing total long-term debt by

$7.0 million

 

Performance Metrics

 

December 31,

   
 

2002

 

2003

 

Increase

 

(in Days)

Days of sales outstanding

46.3

 

50.5

 

4.2

Inventory turns

5.4

 

5.9

 

0.5

Accounts receivable days of sales outstanding were 50.5 at December 31, 2003 compared to 46.3 at December 31, 2002. The increase resulted primarily from several large, slow-paying customers. Annualized inventory turns were 5.9 at December 31, 2003 compared to 5.4 at December 31, 2002. The improvement resulted from active inventory management.

Funding Commitments

Our internal cash flow projections indicate our cash generated from operations and available under our Credit Facility will meet our normal working capital needs during 2004. However, we may require additional debt or equity financing to meet our future debt service obligations, which may include additional bank debt or the public or private sale of equity or debt securities. In connection with any such financing, we may be required to issue securities that substantially dilute the interest of our shareholders. As described above, all of our Credit Facility matures on or before April 1, 2006. We will need to extend the maturity of, or replace our Credit Facility on or before April 1, 2006. However, we may not be able to renew and extend or replace the Credit Facility. Any extended or replacement facility may have higher interest costs, less borrowing capacity, more restrictive conditions and could involve equity dilution. Our ability to obtain a satisfactory credit facility may depend, in part, upon the level of our asset base for collateral purposes, our future financial performance and our ability to obtain additional equity.

We would require additional capital to fund any future acquisitions. At this time, we do not plan to grow through acquisitions unless the market price of our common stock rises to levels that will make acquisitions accretive to our earnings or we generate excess cash flow. We also may pursue additional equity or debt financing to fund future acquisitions, although we may not be able to obtain additional financing on attractive terms.

Contractual Obligations

The impact that our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003 are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods is as follows:

 

Payments Due by Period

 

Total

 

Less than

1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

3-5 Years

 

More than

5 Years

Long-term debt, including current portion (1)

$ 18,149

 

$ 1,474

 

$ 14,423

 

$ 202

 

$ 2,050

Operating lease obligations

4,399

 

1,413

 

1,894

 

735

 

357

Total

$ 22,548

 

$ 2,887

 

$ 16,317

 

$ 937

 

$ 2,407

                   

(1) Amounts represent the expected cash payments of our long-term debt and do not include any fair value adjustments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities ("SPE's"), which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As of December 31, 2003, we are not involved in any unconsolidated SPE transactions.

Indemnification

In the ordinary course of business, DXP enters into contractual arrangements under which DXP may agree to indemnify customers from any losses incurred relating to the services we perform. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, payments made related to these indemnities have been immaterial.

 

Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The significant estimates made by us in the accompanying financial statements relate to reserves for accounts receivable collectibility, inventory valuations and self-insured medical claims. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of a company's financial position and results of operations, and require management's subjective or complex judgments. Below is a discussion of what we believe are our critical accounting policies. Also, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues when an agreement is in place, price is fixed, title for product passes to the customer or services have been provided, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Provisions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are made monthly and adjustments are made periodically (as circumstances warrant) based upon the expected collectibility of all such accounts.

Inventory

Inventory consists principally of finished goods and is priced at lower of cost or market, cost being determined using both the first-in, first-out (FIFO) and the last-in, first out (LIFO) method. Reserves are provided against inventory for estimated obsolescence based upon the aging of the inventory and market trends.

Income Taxes

In accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $1.3 million as of December 31, 2003. We believe it is more likely than not that this net deferred tax asset will be realized based primarily on the assumption of future taxable income.

Management periodically re-evaluates these estimates as events and circumstances change. Together with the effects of the matters discussed above, these factors may significantly impact the Company's results of operations from period-to-period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

Inflation

We do not believe the effects of inflation have any material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We attempt to minimize inflationary trends by passing manufacturer price increases on to the customer whenever practicable.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our market risk results primarily from volatility in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our debt portfolio. To limit interest rate risk on borrowings, we target a portfolio within certain parameters for fixed and floating rate loans taking into consideration the interest rate environment and our forecasted cash flow. We believe this policy limits our exposure to rising interest rates and allows us to benefit during periods of falling interest rates. Using floating rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2003, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by $153,000.

The table below provides information about the Company's market sensitive financial instruments and constitutes a forward-looking statement.

Principal Amount By Expected Maturity

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

Thereafter

                       

Fixed Rate Long-term Debt

$ 310

 

$ 140

 

$ 91

 

$ 98

 

$ 104

 

$ 2,050

Average Interest Rate

8.28%

 

7.99%

 

6.65%

 

6.65%

 

6.67%

 

6.25%

                       

Floating Rate Long-term Debt

$ 1,164

 

$ 1,164

 

$ 13,028

           

Average Interest Rate

3.94%

 

3.94%

 

3.68%

           

Total Maturities

$ 1,474

 

$ 1,304

 

$ 13,119

 

$ 98

 

$ 104

 

$ 2,050

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   

Independent Auditors' Reports

16

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

18

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations

19

   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

20

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

21

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

22

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

DXP Enterprises, Inc., and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DXP Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of DXP Enterprises, Inc., and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ HEIN & ASSOCIATES LLP

February 19, 2004

Houston, Texas

 

This is a copy of the audit report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with DXP Enterprises, Inc.'s 2001 consolidated financial statements previously filed on Form 10-K. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

DXP Enterprises, Inc., and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DXP Enterprises, Inc. (a Texas corporation), and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of DXP Enterprises, Inc., and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

 

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

March 22, 2002

Houston, Texas

 

 

DXP ENTERPRISES, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

       
 

December 31,

 

2002

 

2003

ASSETS

     

Current assets:

     

Cash

$ 1,171

 

$ 636

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts

     

of $1,235 in 2002 and $1,420 in 2003

17,560

 

19,412

Inventories, net

20,392

 

19,145

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

429

 

362

Deferred income taxes

899

 

876

Total current assets

40,451

 

40,431

Property and equipment, net

8,034

 

7,395

Deferred income taxes

508

 

403

Other assets

255

 

146

Total assets

$ 49,248

 

$ 48,375

       

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

     

Current portion of long-term debt

$ 1,625

 

$ 1,474

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities and expenses

14,057

 

14,559

Accrued wages and benefits

1,192

 

1,426

Customer advances

-

 

2,922

Federal income taxes payable

-

 

1,040

Other accrued expenses

801

 

203

Total current liabilities

17,675

 

21,624

Long-term debt, less current portion

23,486

 

16,675

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

     

Shareholders' equity:

     

Series A preferred stock, 1/10th vote per share; $1.00 par value;

liquidation preference of $100 per share ($112 at December 31, 2003);

1,000,000 shares authorized; 1,168 and 1,122 shares issued and

outstanding, resp